Hydrocarbon fuel reforming catalyst and use thereof

Abstract

The subject invention is a catalyst consisting of an oxide or mixed oxide support and bimetallic catalytically active compounds. The supporting oxide can be a single oxide, such as Al 2 O 3 ; it also can be a mixture of oxides, such as Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (YSZ), Al 2 O 3 with CeO 2 , Al 2 O 3 with YSZ and others. The bimetallic compounds, acting as active components, are selected from platinum, and ruthenium, prepared in an appropriate ratio. The catalyst is used in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen for applications such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

1. A catalyst for use in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprising:
 at least two elements selected from the group consisting of elements of Group VIII of the Periodic Table on a ceramic support structure, the ceramic support structure comprising at least 76 weight percent aluminum oxide mixed with CeO 2 , YSZ, or ZrO 2 ; and 
 an alkali metal. 
 
     
     
       2. The catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two elements are platinum and ruthenium. 
     
     
       3. The catalyst of  claim 2 , wherein the ratio of platinum to ruthenium ranges from 1000:1 to 0.001:1. 
     
     
       4. The catalyst of  claim 2 , wherein the catalyst comprises alloys of platinum and ruthenium, or their solid solution. 
     
     
       5. The catalyst of  claim 2 , wherein platinum is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent. 
     
     
       6. The catalyst of  claim 2 , wherein ruthenium is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent. 
     
     
       7. The catalyst of  claim 2 , wherein cerium oxide is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 99.9 weight percent.